Catholics gather for special Mass in Oklahoma dedicated to immigrants

Published: 2007-11-02

TULSA, Okla. (CNS) -- On the night before one of the nation's toughest immigration policies took effect, an estimated 1,500 Catholics gathered for a special Mass dedicated to immigrants at St. Francis Xavier Church in Tulsa. The Oct. 31 Mass was celebrated by Tulsa Bishop Edward J. Slattery who opposed the bill even before it was passed by the Oklahoma Legislature last spring. The measure was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry in May; it took effect Nov. 1. Bishop Slattery spoke in Spanish to the packed and solemn congregation the night before All Saints Day. Loudspeakers broadcasted the Mass and homily to hundreds more who listened outside. "I would like everyone here to know that my prayers are with you, with your families, your children and all those whose lives are being undermined as a consequence of those inhuman laws which are taking effect this night," Bishop Slattery said. The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007 makes it a felony to knowingly harbor or transport an illegal alien and creates specific barriers to hiring illegal immigrants. It requires proof of citizenship to obtain certain government benefits and requires all state agencies and contractors to check the immigration status of all workers after July 1, 2008.

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